Early Childhood Education

The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education program prepares individuals to be skilled professionals qualified to work in a wide variety of early childhood settings including (but not limited to): childcare centers, Head Start, family childcare, nursery schools, and programs for children with special needs.

Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to complete their degree on campus or choose from an expanded offering of online classes.

The program’s curriculum is based upon standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and it promotes all facets of current best practices in the field.

ECE courses combine the understanding and application of theory to practical experiences working directly with young children, ages infant-8 years.

Successful completion of the ECE program requires students to complete field work in licensed and approved facilities. The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Care Licensing, has specific requirements for all paid and unpaid staff (including students).

Students will be required to have a record of SBI (State Bureau of Identification) and a child protective report on file with Central Maine Community College. Field experience sites require background checks that include fingerprinting prior to field placement. Field experience sites retain the right to accept or deny placement of students based on many conditions, including criminal and child protective records. Therefore, criminal or child protective history could jeopardize an individual’s ability to successfully meet all the requirements of the program.

Early Childhood Education majors must obtain a minimum grade of C or higher in all Early Childhood Education and Education courses in order to graduate.

CREDENTIALS:

• Child Development Associate (CDA): 6 college credits awarded for current CDA credential.
• Certified Early Childhood Assistant (CECA): 3 college credits awarder for current CECA credential.

PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES:

• Recognize and maintain all required health and safety policies and practices.
• Apply theories of child development to plan inclusive, developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments.
• Demonstrate positive supportive interactions with young children.
• Describe the benefits of positive respectful partnerships with diverse families.
• Demonstrate a commitment to NAEYC’s Code of Ethical Conduct and the standards of professional practice.
• Assess children’s ongoing developmental and cultural needs.
• Articulate a professional philosophy of early childhood education.
• Work as a part of an early childhood education team.

GRADUATES MAY PURSUE CAREERS WITH:

• Child Care Centers
• Head Start Programs
• Family Child Care Facilities
• Nursery Schools
• Special Needs Programs

TRANSFER TO A BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM TO PURSUE A CAREER AS:

• Education Technicians
• Certified Teachers
• Continuing Education Instructors for Pre-K to 12 Certified Teachers

Alignment of program learning outcomes to courses in the program.

Transfer Agreements for Early Childhood Education